Update to West Lafayette master plan to begin following university advancements

An update is in the works for Purdue University’s Giant Leaps Master Plan. Since the plan’s launch in 2018, the university has seen notable advancements and changes, including new leadership, growth in enrollment and the expansion to Indianapolis.

The master plan was initially developed based on university data from 2016. The goal of the plan remains the same — to align West Lafayette’s physical campus with the mission and programmatic goals and initiatives of the university. It focuses on several components, including space needs, housing needs, dining demands and campus gateways.

The master plan update will reflect current strategic initiatives and accommodate new strategic initiatives in the future. While the major goals of the plan will likely continue, the 2026 update will build upon what has been accomplished and completed since the initial launch.

“We have made significant capital investments using the master plan up to this point, as the university has completed many of the near-term project recommendations and next steps initially outlined in the 2018 plan,” said Jay Wasson, vice president for physical facilities and chief public safety officer. “The update will seek new insights to inform our strategy and maintain our momentum of success.”

For this effort, Campus Planning and Architecture is collaborating with an outside consultant and stakeholders across campus. Some key elements of the update include engaging stakeholders, analyzing growth projections, developing space needs assessment, exploring the enhancement of student life spaces, identifying strategic renovations and more.

“We initially chose the name of the master plan to encompass our vision for the next 50 years of giant leaps at Purdue University,” Wasson said. “We are persistent in our pursuit to enhance our campus landscape and ensure the master plan reflects current and future conditions, evolving goals, and new priorities.”

An executive committee, advisory group, and working group of university leaders and stakeholders have been created to work on the update. The next steps include engagement, analysis and idea creation. The goal is to have the updated plan complete by late 2026.

Campus Planning and Architecture is part of the Administrative Operations organization. The organization supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Strategically updating the Giant Leaps Master Plan to reflect university advancements and changes is one of many ways the organization helps powers Purdue. Be sure to follow @purdueoperations on Instagram and Purdue Administrative Operations on Facebook for updates.